how long to reheat turkey leg in the oven

How Long To Reheat Turkey Leg In The Oven? The Complete Guide

Leftover turkey legs from Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner are such a tasty treat, but reheating them properly is key to ensuring they stay moist, juicy and full of flavor Overcooking can lead to dry, stringy meat so follow this guide to learn exactly how long to reheat a turkey leg in the oven

Storing Leftover Turkey Legs

Before reheating, it’s important to store leftover turkey legs correctly to maximize freshness and flavor. Here are some storage tips:

• Let turkey legs cool completely before refrigerating. Don’t leave them out more than 2 hours.

• Store legs in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove any stuffing and discard it.

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Freeze for longer storage of 1-2 months.

• When freezing, wrap legs tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents freezer burn.

• Defrost frozen turkey legs overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Why Reheating In The Oven Is Best

The oven provides even, gentle heat that thoroughly reheats turkey legs while retaining moisture. It takes a bit longer than the microwave but the results are worth it.

Benefits of oven reheating:

• Turkey legs reheat evenly throughout without drying out exterior.

• Skin gets nicely browned and crispy.

• You can reheat multiple legs at once.

• Infuse flavors by adding seasonings or broth.

• Maintains the juicy texture of freshly cooked turkey.

How To Reheat Turkey Legs In The Oven

Follow these simple steps for reheating turkey legs in the oven:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Place legs in an oven-safe baking dish or rimmed sheet pan.

3. Add a few tablespoons of chicken or turkey broth, white wine, or water to the dish to impart moisture. You can also use leftover gravy.

4. Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil. The foil traps steam and helps meat stay moist.

5. Bake legs for 45 minutes to 1 hour until heated through. Time varies based on amount and size of legs.

6. Remove foil and bake 5 more minutes to crisp the skin. Watch closely to avoid burning.

7. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Turkey should reach 165°F.

8. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Temperature rises slightly as it rests.

The total oven reheating time is usually 45 minutes to 1 hour per 1-2 lbs of turkey legs. Thicker leg portions may take slightly longer. But using a meat thermometer is the best way to confirm doneness.

Tips For Reheating Turkey Legs In The Oven

• Brush legs with oil or melted butter before reheating for crispy skin.

• Add fresh or dried herbs, pepper, garlic, citrus for extra flavor.

• Reheat stuffing separately to 165°F to avoid undercooking.

• Slice into smaller portions to reduce reheating time.

• Use broth, wine or water for moisture. Chicken or turkey stock adds the most flavor.

• Make gravy with the drippings for serving.

• Preheat oven at a lower 250°F if legs are already hot or cooked longer initially.

Other Ways To Reheat Turkey Legs

While the oven is best, you can also reheat turkey legs in the microwave or on the stovetop:

Microwave:

• Place legs on a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of broth.

• Loosely cover with a paper towel or microwave splatter guard.

• Microwave on HIGH for 2-3 minutes per pound. Rotate dish halfway.

• Check temperature before serving.

Stovetop:

• Place legs in a skillet with 1-2 tablespoons broth or water.

• Cover pan and heat on medium until warmed through and browned.

• Take care not to overcook and dry out the meat.

What Temperature To Reheat Turkey Legs?

The safe minimum internal temperature for reheated turkey is 165°F. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, aim for 1 hour covered in a 350°F oven. But using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure safety and doneness.

At 165°F, the turkey juices should run clear with no traces of pink when pierced with a fork. The meat will be hot throughout and safe to eat without drying out.

Let turkey legs rest 5-10 minutes before eating since the temperature rises after removing from the oven. Enjoy your leftovers like they were freshly roasted!

Storing Reheated Turkey Legs

Let turkey legs cool slightly after reheating then store any uneaten portions:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours in shallow airtight containers.

• Use leftover reheated turkey within 3-4 days.

• Reheat only once more to 165°F before discarding.

• Freeze for longer storage of 1 month. Portion legs and wrap well.

With proper storage and reheating, you can safely enjoy leftover holiday turkey for days after your initial feast. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly and use within the recommended time frame. Follow this complete guide to reheating succulent turkey legs in the oven.